Presidential debate watch parties, pre-events in the works

July 4, 2012|Marci Shatzman mshatzman@tribune.com

Barring any unscheduled campaign stops, President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney won't be here for nearly four months until the final president debate takes place at Lynn University Oct. 22.

But plans are already under way for official watch parties and pre-events that Lynn, the city and the local and county business and tourism communities are planning to capitalize on the exposure for Boca Raton and Palm Beach County that evening.

Anyone will be able to watch the debate live for free on three large screens at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, said Chrissy Biagiotti, the city's cultural facilities manager. "The city has partnered with the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Palm Beach County and Rock the Vote to put on a free concert and watch party for the public," she said.

Rock the Vote is a bipartisan, get-out-the-vote group that has existing relationships with performers, so who the act will be wasn't nailed down on June 28, but the festivities will likely begin at 6 p.m., Biagiotti said. The concert will start before the watch party, she added.

"Our capacity is just over 4,000 but that's a tight squeeze, so we're shooting for 2,500 to 3,000 depending on the artist we get for the concert," she said.

They'll have food and beverages available through concessionaires. "Other cities are planning to do watch parties and I would hope bars and restaurants will do their own thing," she said.

A VIP area at the amphitheater will be roped off for people who get in on the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Partnership. The program was announced at the chamber's Business Luncheon in May, and has at least 100 sign-ups so far to support Lynn and get two tickets to the VIP party for $255, said Sarah Pearson, the chamber's vice president of business development and events. There's a debate logo on the chamber website that explains what members will get for their donation.

Lynn president Kevin Ross is a vice chairman of the board, "so we found out quickly when it became public information," said Troy McLellan, chamber president and CEO. "It's such a media event, but we want to maximize exposure.

"The program was targeted for small business so it was attainable and affordable to get some benefits, and would engage people at a level that wouldn't break anyone's bank," McLellan said. "The strategy was to find something they could feel part of and support, with other supporters in Boca Raton."

Pearson knew the small business community was on board right away. "When we announced it, we had people sign up while the presentation was going on right then and there," she said. "Clearly they were just as excited."

Ross is planning a student watch party and a watch party for Lynn supporters on campus, but there won't be public access. "Due to security issues and logistics on that day, the events are not open to the public, but we do encourage everyone to attend one of the many watch parties and other debate-related activities being planned around South Florida," Ross said via email. "This event is about our students. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for those who get a seat, so I want to ensure as many as possible have a chance to get their golden ticket through our planned lottery."

Lynn has a dedicated debate website at http://debate2012.lynn.edu/. "Bookmark the site and come back often for updates on the latest debate-related developments," Ross said. "We'll be posting news stories, photos, live feeds and information about events around the community."

A pre-event in the Mizner Park Amphitheater is planned for Oct. 5. Cultural arts organizations will showcase their exhibits and programs at "Community & Culture: American Stories as told through the Cultural Arts," Biagiotti said.

On Oct. 12, a free screening of the movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" will be followed by an overview by the Palm Beach International Film Festival and a political commentary by a Lynn professor, Biagiotti said.

"On Nov. 4, Lynn U. will have a free symphonic concert in the amphitheater with fireworks and patriotic music; and during the day, the city is working with the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Association to bring a traveling theater program for children called Rock the Presidents for school-age children," she added.